According to police, the couple got angry fearing the bonfire lit by the victim and others would engulf their house.
The dalit, identified as Balram Ahirwar, survived with 15 per cent burn injuries, an official said, adding that the police arrested one Raje Rajput (38) in connection with the incident on Thursday night while efforts are on to trace his wife.
The incident occurred during the Holika 'dahan' (burning) ceremony in the village, located around 40 kms away from the district headquarter, said Rahatgarh police station inspector Anil Singh.
In a fit of rage, they caught hold of Ahirwar and pushed him into the bonfire, the inspector said.
Also Read
Ahirwar was rescued by other revellers and admitted to hospital.
When contacted, district SP S Shukla told PTI Ahirwar alleged the Rajput couple passed casteist remarks during an argument with him.
Singh said the accused duo have been booked under relevant sections of the IPC and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content